HI HB1622

Establishes "Employment First" as an official policy of the State of Hawaii and its counties, prioritizing competitive integrated employment for persons with disabilities as the first employment option.

Requires state and county agencies to implement Employment First in all hiring practices and programs they administer or fund, with agencies directed to coordinate efforts and share data to track progress.

Clarifies that Employment First does not require employers to give hiring preference to persons with disabilities nor eliminate other supported employment services.

Applies Employment First principles to the Department of Human Services' Medicaid home and community-based waiver programs and requires contracted service providers to follow these principles in hiring personnel.

Takes effect on July 1, 2022.